Iran has issued a stark warning of devastating retaliation in response to threats from US President Donald Trump, who has escalated rhetoric against the Islamic republic. Trump stated that Iran "can be taken out in one night, and that might be tomorrow night," while reiterating a Tuesday deadline for the regime to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on energy facilities and bridges.
The Middle East war has claimed its second victim from the Philippines, a Filipina woman killed in Haifa, Israel, when an Iranian missile struck her home. The Philippine foreign affairs department confirmed her death alongside her Israeli husband and elderly parents-in-law. Earlier, a 32-year-old caregiver became the first Philippine fatality on 1 March.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described Trump's threats against Iranian civilian infrastructure as "unhelpful," stressing that "more military action's not necessary." He added that the focus should be on preventing the conflict from expanding further, and that New Zealand's foreign minister would urge US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to de-escalate quickly.
Blasts were heard near Erbil airport in Iraq's Kurdistan region, which hosts US-led coalition advisers. Air defence systems intercepted four missiles headed towards the US consulate in Erbil. A separate drone incident killed a couple when a bomb-laden drone from Iran crashed into their home. Oil prices rose as Trump's threats heightened tensions, with Brent crude reaching $110.34 a barrel.
